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When it was first broadcast in 1975, there had never been a more lavishly produced science fiction TV series than Space: 1999, a British production whose budget for the first of its two seasons ran an astounding 3.25 million pounds. What keeps us fans enthralled after all these years has only partly to due with the first-rate production values, the plausibly constructed spaceship models, and expert special effects. The tone of the show is one of scientific dispassion, setting it apart from its TV sci-fi predecessors such as Star Trek, whose mood was more convivial. Our heroes here are in dire circumstances that require cool heads as a survival trait. Those circumstances: the 311 crew members of Moonbase Alpha experience a cataclysm that causes the moon to break away from Earth's orbit and travel endlessly through space, turning our heroes into unintentional explorers. No TV series has created a more palpable feel of hard science fiction than this. Of course the show is not without its detractors; it has been soundly lambasted for its many scientific errors. No less august a figure than Isaac Asimov criticized the show for its premise in the opening episode, "Breakaway," which had nuclear explosions on the "dark side of the moon" somehow propelling it out of Earth's orbit and flying through space without regard to any physical laws. In "Earthbound" (included in this set), aliens traveling to Earth state it will take them 75 years to reach their destination, making one wonder why it didn't take the moon that long to encounter the aliens. While these are serious complaints, fans tend to remember the scientific seriousness of the series and the sense of awe created by the many strange creatures and phenomena that the crew members encounter on their journey through the galaxy. In addition to "Breakaway" and "Earthbound," this set includes "Matter of Life and Death," "Black Sun," "Ring Around the Moon," and "Another Time, Another Place." --Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (61)

Possibly the worst written Anderson series
The four Gerry/Sylvia Anderson series with which I am familiar ("Thunderbirds", "Captain Scarlet", "UFO", and "Space 1999") all have much in common. At their best, they have high-spirited adventure, good character situations, campy humor, and gee-wiz sets, costumes, and gadgetry. At their worst, they have jaw dropping logical flaws, stock footage overused to the point of obvious inconsistency, and excruciatingly painful sci-babble.

"Space 1999" has some of the coolest sets and gadgetry, and it's hard not to fall in love with them. Despite critics to the contrary, I feel the acting is overall quite competent. However, the episodes tend to be so unflinchingly immersed in trademark Anderson sci-babble that at times I find them almost impossible to sit through. This is a classic and unforgivable example of a show trying to be more cerebral and failing miserably because it substitutes sheer, almost random BS for science and logic. By all means rent these discs, but don't bother to buy them.

WOW!
Where has this show been all my life? I just discovered it on DVD and I'm very excited about it! Great cast, excellent scripts, and striking FX! I will can't wait to see the other episodes of this series.

black sun on DVD
Black Sun is my all time favorite episode of Space 1999 and it looks wonderful on DVD. Space 1999 was a very unique Sci-Fi program and it remains largely misunderstood. One reviewer notes that only when facing certain death do the Alphans come alive, but that's the point: These are highly trained soldiers who must focus entirely on their duties in order to survive. They are trapped inside the Alpha base, which is described as both a barracks and a prison, and are always close to death.
Only under unusual circumstances can the Alphans let down their emotional guard. Black Sun is an unusual circumstance in which they are powerless to avoid destruction. Having exhausted all options, Bergman shares his inner thoughts and feelings with Koenig, who has tears in his eyes, and they make a final toast. It's a wonderful scene which demonstrates just why fans love this show so much.
Black Sun is a great episode of a great series.

YES!
THANKS A&E FOR PUTTING SPACE 1999 ON DVD!
THE FIRST EPISODE GETS THE WHOLE SHOW STARTED WITH THE MOON BLASTING OFF INTO SPACE AND I LOVED THE ZOMBIE LIKE ASTRONAUTS IN THIS EPISODE TOO! SET 1 ALSO HAS CHRISTOPHER LEE AND EPISODES LIKE 'BLACK SUN' WHICH SIMULATE WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE ON QUALITY LSD. THINGS DRAG AT TIMES AND I WISH THE ZOMBIE LIKE ASTRONAUTS IN THE FIRST EPISODE ACTUALLY ATE THEIR VICTIMS, BUT OTHER THAN THAT I'M REAL HAPPY WITH THIS SET. GREAT SHOW!

really 'out there'
Critics have often not been kind to Space 1999. The program is often accused of having wooden actors because the performers are portraying military and scientific types in a tense situation that they deal with seriously. There's plenty of action, but again some critics fail to be impressed and write it off as just a display of special effects. The weirdness and mysteries presented in the show have often been viewed as bad story telling, and the Alphans have no mission other than to survive and that tends to be viewed as a lack of anything significant happening. Space 1999 is entertaining and exciting if seen as a hybrid of disaster movie and 2001. The moon is hurtling through space and things look grim for the people on it as they struggle for survival and encounter confusing 'far out' alien weirdness. They try to maintain their military and scientific bearing , but their true fear and confusion are visible below the surface and can be incredibly intense. These are great perfomances, the action is exciting, and the weirdness and mystery of it all is compelling. By season two, which I also enjoy, changes were made so that the program was more of a kid oriented adventure show and the Alphans had grown more used to their life on Alpha, but both the tense/trippy atmosphere of season one and the more jovial/comic book vibe of season two can make for entertaining viewing. ... Read more

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A double bill of rural schlock, with both entries gruesome but somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Deranged was inspired by the unsavory saga of Ed Gein, whose isolated madness oiled the gears of both Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. This is a low-rent production all the way, but its shabby locations have a certain eerie authenticity, and it benefits greatly from the casting of the reliable character actor Roberts Blossom--a scarecrow in the American Gothic mold--in the lead role. Now and again a somber but vaguely amusing narrator wanders into the frame to remind us that we are watching the tale of "a necromaniac, a defiler of the dead," as though we could forget. Serial-killer completists should check it out.

Motel Hell is slicker but less effective. Former Western star Rory Calhoun plays Farmer Vincent, a country hotel keeper (free samples of jerky at the front desk) whose line of smoked meats turns his customers into unwitting cannibals. The movie's got some genuinely creeped-out ideas (a backyard garden of victims, buried up to their necks?), but the execution is pedestrian and the humor pretty square. Onetime cultural icon Wolfman Jack has a few scenes as a TV preacher, for no apparent reason. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (28)

2 horror classics on 1 DVD
Talk about one hell of a horror double feature.First of all,these 2 films are horror classics.I was amazed to find out that they were going to be on the same dvd as a double feature.First of all Deranged is one of my all time favorite horror flicks w/ an excellent performance by Roberts Blossom.Blossom plays Ezra Cobb.. a character based on the serial killer Ed Gein.The same serial killer Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Psycho were based on.The movie was filmed in 1974 w/ early and excellent Tom Savini make-up effects.Deranged definitly has that creepy documentary feel..some scenes you almost feel like your sitting in the same room w/ Ez as he plays w/ his belly drum..using a leg bone for a drum stick..nice.The transfer was pretty decent for an older,almost forgotten film..but my only complaint is that they cut out a few scenes..one being Ez taking out an eyeball w/ a spoon and another one w/ Ez holding up a fresh cut human flesh mask he planned on putting on his decomposing mother.So other then the missing scenes I was extremely happy having this film on dvd.As for the Motel Hell part of the disc..Farmer Vincent has a special recipe for his smoked meats...and let me tell you..his smoked meat isnt beef.The film is fun..watching him and his demented sister go to their secret garden, where they have a special way of treating their human meat stock is great.Plus farmer Vincent runs around wearing a pig head w/ chainsaw in hand..u cant beat that..as for the picture..the trasfer for Motel Hell is a bit grainy..but for the cheap price u cant beat it.In my opinion, Deranged is the better movie of the 2.Im a big fan of surreal horror and Deranged has that going for it.If you loved Texas Chainsaw and never saw Deranged pick this disc up...Its great stuff.

Deranged-Excellent! Motel Hell should go there!
With the Dreanged/Motel Hell DVD you get a good news/bad news scenario. The good news is; Deranged has finally found its widescreen way onto dvd. :) Bad news: You're stuck with Motel Hell on the other side. :( Deranged is a low budget, very unsettling horror film based on the heinous real life crimes of Ed Gein. Of course, the folks at MGM left out at least one squimish seen of Ezzra Cobb scouping out a corpse's brains with an ice cream scoop. However, Deranged is not really a gore fest but, instead draws its disconcerting power (thanks to Robert Blossom's oscar caliber performance) from the fact that most of what transpires on screen happened in real life. In short Deranged rocks! Motel Hell on the other hand,is boring, hackneyed, cinematic rubbish. The title says "it takes all kinds of critters to make farmer Vincent fritters." Well, it takes all kinds of Antacids to make it through this hackneyed yawn-fest! The "love" interest between Farmer Vincent & the young girl is as contrived as anything you'll have the unfortunate experience to watch. Characters you couldn't care less about if you tried. I've seen more suspense generated in a Melissa Gilbert Lifetime Channel chick flick than Motel Hell. My recommendation; buy this dvd if for only Deranged. Watch Motel Hell if you suffer from insomnia.

2 of the best flicks on one DVD!
This 2 disk set is a MUST have for horror/slasher flick fans!

The first film-- Deranged-- is about a wierd fella named Ezra who can't seem to let go of his mother's death. After hallucinations of her he decides to dig her up and keep her near him at all times. The movie after that takes off and basically ends up with his kidnapping, and bitchering (like he was skinning a deer) a local salesclerk.

The movie is based on psychotic killer Ed Gein, which influenced MANY movies such as Silence Of The Lambs, Psycho, Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2,3,4) and of course the movie Ed Gein and Ed and His Dead Mother.

The second movie is a bit more strange and funny!

In short it's about a brother and sister who own a motel and sell beef jerky on the side. The only thing is at night, like a hunter going out to hunt, he watches the road waiting for the right time to find his next victim.

After they are caught they are buried in the ground to be harvested and then made into jerky...

A MUST SEE

Scary
Deranged - as you probably know by now is based upon the most cruelest and the most sick serial killer Ed Gein.
When his mother dies he goes absolutely nuts, especially when "she" calls for him to pick her up from the grave. To fill up the skeleton of her mother he needs more bodies so he keeps digging graves and killing women.
What a sicko...

The actor who played the sicko was very very good. He almost makes you think that he's the sicko himself.

I can not recommend this movie to anyone. The true story plot is just too sick and extremely scary. It's something no one can ever imagine.

Good eatin' here!
I'm really learning to love these MGM double feature discs. Usually, this motion picture studio releases its films on DVD with few or no extras, a supreme disappointment to cinema fans. When you can get two low budget cheese fests for such a low price, however, you tend to make a few allowances for the lack of bells and whistles. Who could turn down the wonders of "Troll" and "Troll 2," for example, just because the movies' only extras are trailers? It's the same situation with "Deranged" and "Motel Hell." But don't worry. The wonderful badness of these two films makes extras a moot point. Besides, how could you get Nancy Parsons and Rory Calhoun into the studio to record a commentary track? They've both been dead for years.

"Deranged" is a movie that every horror aficionado should see at least once. Actually, one time through is about all you'll be able to take of this low budget excursion into the dark, dank recesses of the human mind. Based on the legendary maniac Edward Gein, the movie "Deranged" has always had a small coterie of loyal fans. They claim that this movie is the closest thing there is to the real events that occurred in rural Wisconsin back in the 1950s. They're wrong, of course. Even a cursory examination of the Gein story will quickly tell you this film wanders far from the truth on several occasions. No matter, though, since the movie is still a fun way to waste a couple of hours. Instead of referring to their main maniac as Ed Gein, the moviemakers decided to rename the guy Ezra Cobb. Old Ezra resembles Eddie Gein in several ways: he's a mama's boy, a bit of a simpleton, and he quickly nosedives into the shrieking pits of insanity after his mother passes on. After his better half (mom, that is) goes to that great farmhouse in the sky, Ezra promptly starts to hear her voice in his head. He goes out, digs up her corpse, and installs her in the house. Soon, he begins to comb the countryside looking for other gals who might want to keep his mother company. A local waitress, a lascivious friend of his mother's who has designs on Ezra, and a local girl manning the counter in the hardware store all fall prey to Cobb's ever expanding lunacy. There's not a lot of gore here for the hounds, but the scuzzy atmosphere and seriousness of the cast (at least it seemed like they were serious) will keep you on the edge of your seat. The guy who played the Barry Convex role in "Videodrome" does a Rod Serling like role as narrator.

I personally prefer the second film on the disc, the 1980 cult classic "Motel Hell." Rory Calhoun, a distinguished actor with a long list of film credits stretching back into the Golden Age of Hollywood, throws his dignity to the wind in the part of Farmer Vincent, a meat manufacturer with a sinister secret. Working with his sadistic sister Ida (Nancy Parsons) out of the Motel Hello (that 'o' is missing on the sign, of course), Vincent always sends his customers packing with a bumper sticker, a box of free meat, and a million watt aw shucks smile. Behind the scenes, things are quite different. The good farmer spends his evenings laying traps on the local roadways, thus luring in a whole passel of hapless wayfarers for reasons best left unsaid here. When a girl survives a motorcycle accident orchestrated by the wily Vincent, the farmer decides to take her in so he can eventually teach her the secrets of curing meat. All sorts of unpleasant activities take place from this point on, as Ida's jealousy of the girl causes friction in the family. The local cop presents a challenge too even though he's related to Vincent and Ida. By the time you see two guys, one of them wearing a giant pig's head, battling away with chainsaws, you know you've just spent a few hours with a classic piece of cinema. If you want a few giggles, try and spot John Ratzenberger in a small role as one of Vincent's living beef jerky sticks. Wolfman Jack pops up to say hello as well.

We're talking zero production values for both films here, folks. "Deranged" is by far the grungier of the two films, with its broken down farmhouses, battered jalopies, and seedy looking characters; but "Motel Hell" won't win any awards for scenery design, either. One thing I will say about the latter film; the DVD transfer is amazingly sharp for a film made nearly twenty-five years ago. It looks like they shot this thing yesterday on top of the line film stock. The same unfortunately cannot be said for "Deranged," which has a fair amount of grain and streaks in the picture. You don't really need a great looking picture to enjoy these cheesy films, but it sure is nice to see "Motel Hell" look this good. Moreover, you get the full version of the movie. Whenever this film appears on television, and it does amazingly enough, they usually cut out the scene where the city couple looking for a good time accidentally shows up at Motel Hello. That sequence is restored here in all of its whip cracking glory.

Give this disc a shot if you like low budget ham. The psychedelic experience in Farmer Vincent's secret garden alone is worth the price of the disc. I've been watching a bunch of these MGM double dip discs lately, and I'll keep watching them if the company keeps releasing them. You should, too. ... Read more

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When it was first broadcast in 1975, there had never been a more lavishly produced science fiction TV series than Space: 1999, a British production whose budget for the first of its two seasons ran an astounding 3.25 million pounds. What keeps us fans enthralled after all these years has only partly to due with the first-rate production values, the plausibly constructed spaceship models, and expert special effects. The tone of the show is one of scientific dispassion, setting it apart from its TV sci-fi predecessors such as Star Trek, whose mood was more convivial. Our heroes here are in dire circumstances that require cool heads as a survival trait. Those circumstances: the 311 crew members of Moonbase Alpha experience a cataclysm that causes the moon to break away from Earth's orbit and travel endlessly through space, turning our heroes into unintentional explorers. No TV series has created a more palpable feel of hard science fiction than this. This set includes the episodes "Missing Link," "Guardian of Piri," "Force of Life," "Alpha Child," "The Last Sunset," and "Voyager's Return." --Jim Gay ... Read more

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Set 3 of Space: 1999 contains six more first-season episodes from Thunderbirds creators Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's 1975 British series. The castaways on Moonbase Alpha, led by Commander John Koenig (Martin Landau), continue their drift through the universe, where they encounter fantastic planets, oddball races, and cataclysmic perils. In "Collision Course," Koenig must rely on "a thing called faith" when the moon seems headed for a too-close encounter with a massive planet. Unfortunately, the faith of his crew, including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Helena Russell (Landau's Mission: Impossible costar and then wife Barbara Bain) and Professor Victor Bergman (Barry Morse, who relentlessly pursued David Janssen on The Fugitive) is lacking, and they mutiny. In "Death's Other Dominion," the Alphans arrive at an ice-encrusted "lost paradise" planet, on which survivors of "the Uranus expedition of 1986" seek the secret of eternal life, and dissidents rise up to stop them. "The Full Circle" explores the nature of man when the Alphans encounter a race of cave dwellers. In "End of Eternity," the Alphans learn not to "interfere with other people's justice" when they unwittingly free an evil and quite unstoppable alien(Peter Bowles, much more civilized as Penelope Keith's friendly nemesis in the popular Britcom To the Manor Born. The cautionary "War Games" might better be called "Mind Games," as Commander Koenig considers whether to launch an attack against alien spaceships. One of Landau's favorite episodes, "The Last Enemy," is a Middle East allegory that finds the Alphans literally caught between two perpetually warring planets. Space: 1999's then state-of-the-art special effects hold up well, less so the deliberate pacing. But these fan-favorite episodes are a must for all earthbound Alpha devotees. --DonaldLiebenson ... Read more

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Isaac Asimov reportedly described Space: 1999 as "scientifically preposterous." That hasn't stopped Thunderbirds creators Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's 1975 British series from gaining a devoted cult following. Still, after watching the six episodes included on this two-disc set, one has to concede that (entertaining though they are) Isaac may have been on to something. In "The Troubled Spirit" Moonbase Alpha Commander John Koenig (Martin Landau) resorts to a little "bell, book, and candle" to exorcise a crew member's destructive spirit. "Space Brain"--or, as it is known to series aficionados, the one with all the foam--finds the Alphans desperately seeking a way to communicate with a cosmic intelligence. As Professor Bergman (Barry Morse) observes, "This is either a practical joke or something very interesting." You be the judge. Leo McKern (Rumpole of the Bailey) guest-stars in "The Infernal Machine" as the aged companion to Gwent, an odd-looking plundering spacecraft. In the "can't we all just get along" episode, "Mission of the Darians," guest star Joan Collins looks good for a 900-something alien, one of 14 who survived a mammoth ship's nuclear-reactor explosion. The same can't be said for the other onboard savages whom the Darians use for transplants. "Dragon's Domain" puts new life into the ancient myth about St. George, as crewman Tony Cellini is reunited with a real-life nightmare in the form of a tentacled beast. In "Testament of Arkadia," which closed out Space: 1999's first season, crew members Luke and Anna are determined to live as a futuristic Adam and Eve and "make fertile" a barren planet. As for Moonbase Alpha, it would drift through the universe for just one more season. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

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High adventure and hooty special effects make At the Earth's Core a colorful camp treat. Doug McClure plays David Innes, the brawn to Dr. Abner Perry's brains. The two have developed the Iron Mole, a vehicle that bores through solid rock. A test run goes too well and before you know it they're neck-deep in scantily clad cave women and telepathic lizard-birds. Peter Cushing has a good time playing against his usual type as the absentminded Professor Perry, while McClure sticks to cigar-chomping macho swagger. Older kids will enjoy the colorful sets and fire-breathing animals, while adults will get a kick out of the hilariously outdated gender politics. At the Earth's Core is well worth turning off your brain and taking a look. DVD version includes the original trailer and French and Spanish subtitles. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (23)

At The Earth's Core
This film is about two Victorian scientists, Peter Cushing and Doug McClure, who use their drilling machine to discover a world within the Earth's core. They are captured by a warrior race, and enslaved with humans, but help start a rebellion and destroy the monsters ruling them. The special effects and monsters are good. The film ends with the two heroes returning back to their time.

What a guilty pleasure!
This is one of those rubber-monster movies that is so clumsily made and filled with stupid movie physics so common to this genre, but I love it! Sorry, I can't help it, but watching this one, and more like it(also recommended: THE PEOPLE THAT TIME FORGOT and HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP for more laughfests!) is funnier than any so-called comedy these days! Peter Cushing is Dr Abner Perry, a mad Victorian scientist who invents the Iron Mole, a steam-powered drilling machine(?!) financed by David Innes, a token American played by Doug McClure, a mainstay of 1970s B-monster-flix. When they get lost drilling they wind up, quite literally, at the earth's core and encounter telepathic dinosaurs with lions' tails(honestly), rock bridges over lava flow which cavemen cross with bare feet, an exploding fire-breathing toad . . . and Caroline Munro is on hand as Princess Dia. Basically our heroes have to help the cavemen defeat the Majar beasts(telepathic dinos) and a race of apemen which resemble cast-offs who failed the auditions for Planet of The Apes!
Cushing absolutely revels in his role as Dr Perry. Throughout his movie career, he made all kinds of weird and wonderfully amusing horror flicks and even played the big-screen incarnation of Dr Who in two Brit productions. He knows it, and in this one he can't help but act tongue-in-cheek, which works and is fun to watch.
The SFX are truly Godzilla-style in execution. We get close-ups of men in rubber suits that make them look bigger, Majar creatures on wires(you can see them), exploding mushrooms, a killer plant made from paintbrushes and a pink lava sky! 'This cannot be the Rhondda Valley!' Mr Cushing exclaims. And later on, he asserts to the creatures: 'You cannot mesmerise me, I'm British!' Great stuff!
Oh, and Caroline Munro, who made a great Bond villainness in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME a year later, looks delicious in a loincloth bikini. So, overall, if you love this sort of thing to poke fun at, you can't go far wrong. I get a strange satisfaction out of watching bad movies at times, and this is one of my cheesiest entries in my list of 'guilty pleasure' flix. One could also say that it might have inspired THE CORE(2003), a forthcoming disaster epic with equally silly physics!

Entertaining and a classic.
This movie starts good, but it get static, silly and stiff toward the mid-end of it. Overall: Fair to Good.

Another classic!
When I was a kid, Doug Maclure movies were a Sunday afternoon tradition. Giant rubber dinosaurs and paper mache monsters. Awesome!!! Still as much fun to watch today as they were 20 years ago.

"Come on Doc.....it can't be much further!"
Despite some of the more negative reviews for this movie, I found it really enjoyable! Sure, the monster special effects technology is not comparable with Jurassic Park, but keep in mind that this movie was made in the 1970's! Doug McClure and Peter Cushing made a very good team in this action-packed adventure film! The movie starts out in the Victorian age as scientist; Dr. Abner Perry (Peter Cushing) and his Geologic Engineering student; David Innes (Doug McClure) are embarking on a mission to test a manned underground drilling machine called "The Iron Mole". When the "Iron mole" goes off-course, the teacher and student duo end up in a place "like nothing on Earth", as stated by David Innes.
David and Dr. Perry end up getting captured and enslaved with humans, by Sagaths, the soldiers for the Majars who rule in the city of Pellucidar.
After finding a way to escape from the caves of the Sagaths, David, aided by a new human friend; Rah, returns to free the slaves and rescue Dr. Perry. The human tribes unite and Dr. Perry trains the tribesman on the skills of Archery, in order to revolt against the Majars and Sagaths, and destroy them.
I loved the comradery between David and Dr. Perry, and the protective nature that David showed for the doctor when they were being roughly treated by the Sagaths and all through the movie. David even, helped physically hold the doctor upright, on the long trip into the caves as they were being pulled along on a long chain of human captives, saying "Come on doc,...it can't be much further". David is a real gentleman, and he also was very courageous and protective for the woman he fell in love with, Princess Dia. He even fought for her protection against ugly men who attempted to "man handle" her!
The movie was filled with humor that may have been unintentional, by the "air-headed" character of Dr. Perry, and the "serious natured character" of David Innes. The antics of Doug McClure and Peter Cushing in this film, for example, when they were being chased by a giant "eagle-looking" bird, after crash landing at the earth's core, was comparable to the antics of the "Three Stooges". I couldn't help but laugh! I enjoyed this movie so much, I watch it frequently! It seems that I pick up on things that I did not previously notice before, the more times that I watch it! A fun and entertaining movie overall! Andrea Lynn Burcham ... Read more

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Fans of Space: 1999 (and there are many of them) are lavish in their praise for British producer Gerry Anderson's mid-'70s sci-fi series. They rhapsodize about provocative, seriously scientific story lines, expensive production values, the presence of star (and future Oscar^® winner) Martin Landau, and more. But there are others who look at the series' glacial pace, loopy costumes and makeup, cheesy sets, primitive special effects, stilted dialogue, and self-serious tone and wonder what planet those rabid fans are from.

Set 6 of the digitally remastered series, containing six episodes (numbers 31 to 36) on two discs, offers plenty of evidence to support both arguments. On the one hand, there are some intriguing ideas, weighty themes, and good writing here, as in "New Adam, New Eve" (episode 34), in which Koenig (Landau) and company confront the very existence of God himself, or "The Rules of Luton" (episode 31), in which Koenig and Maya (Catherine Schell) find themselves in deep trouble on a planet where plants are the dominant life form. But too often those virtues are hamstrung by poor execution, as in "Luton," where our heroes must battle three absurd-looking and -acting aliens. Smart sensibility, silly look and feel: this is the Space: 1999 paradox. And the truth is that nowadays, when advanced film technology is making even the early Star Wars films look dated, many of these episodes seem positively quaint.

DVD bonus features include a three-minute "making of" featurette (on the first disc), a gallery of production stills (on both discs), and interactive menus. Some material that was not seen in the original U.S. broadcasts has been restored. --Sam Graham ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Cute Little Movie For The "New" Type Of Christmas
I only discovered this delightful little Christmas movie from 2002 a few weeks ago and I was very pleased with this "modern", Christmas story so very different from the great classics normally associated with the festive season. "Santa Jr.", from it's enchanting title, to its lovable performances and sentimental writing is sure to delight viewers and while it is no outstanding tour de force it is a film that is just right for this time of year where finally we get to find out more about the family of Santa Claus!

It seems that good old Santa has been sending out apprentices for a few years now to make sure the presents are all delivered on time in different parts of the world. "Santa Jr." tells the story of , you guessed it his son who is called surprise "Chris" (Nick Stabile) and who's full name is Chris Kringle which as this story progresses manages to get him into all sorts of trouble. Chris is the ultimate reluctant son who doesn't really want to follow in dad's illustrious footsteps but who has nevertheless been assigned the "West Coast Route". The story takes place in San Diego where Chris arrives to start his present drop a bit ahead of time just as the city is the victim of a thief robbing homes who's trademark is to carry out his housebreaking dressed in a Santa costume. Chris is accidently arrested while trying to deliver gifts and placed on trial despite the fact that the house robberies continue while Chris is in custody. No one believes who he actually is and when a decision on his fate can't be arrived at he is placed in the custody of his lawyer Susan over the holiday period. Once moved in and fitted with an alarm to stop him leaving the house Chris begins to make the best of his situation while frantically trying to phone home to the North Pole to speak with Dad only to get a recorded message stating that there will be a 45 minute delay as this is Santa's busiest time of the year. While in captivity however Chris begins to see and appreciate the great work that his father has done for years and gradually he gets the point of what Christmas should be about. After a series of "miracles", occur such as a bottomless bag of toys for the local children appears he also manages to restore Susan's belief in people and the holiday season for the first time since her parents death. After a number of very amusing incidents Chris manages to catch the Santa Bandit and also manages to get Susan together with Policeman Darryl who is responsible for keeping an eye on Chris while he is in captivity. Only at this happy resolution does Chris become eager to return to his future role at the North Pole and trades in a standard sleigh for a flashy Red Sports Car to do at least part of the trip in!

"Santa Jr.", does make delightful simple viewing in the holiday season. Nick Stabile makes a wonderful Chris and his performance is full of charm and humour that makes Santa Jr a very appealing character. His scenes of swapping "traditional Christmas practices", for "modern tecnology" such as a "modified" Santa suit more acclimatised for the warm San Diego Christmas and a "meter reader" that can tell if people have been "naughty or nice" this year are most amusing and he is the actor that really makes this film so enjoyable. Lauren Holly as Susan displays a wonderful sense of bemusement as the story progresses and she is just right as the serious lawyer who learns to love and feel again thanks to Chris's intervention in her life. Judd Nelson normally associated with much heavier entertainment as a rule has the largely colourless role of Susan's love interest here and at that level he manages well. George Wallace as Darryl's cake eating, Christmas decoration loving assistant steals every scene he is in with a very funny performance and his scenes of helping Chris decorate Susan's home for Christmas are wonderful in their humour and comic delivery.

"Santa Jr.", might be considered by some to be lightweight holiday fare however it has a nice little message to convey without being to demanding on the brain cells. I'm glad I discovered this little Hallmark Christmas Movie and I hope to enjoy it in coming seasons as well. Nick Stabile is the real reason for enjoying this movie and his fresh and breezy delivery make it an enjoyable hour and a half. Let Santa Jr. entertain you this Christmas so that "Dad" can take a bit of a break for a change in the 2002 television movie "Santa Jr.".

Santa Jr
I thought it was good. Story was really cute. Thumbs up for a family movie.

Light Weight Fun Christmas Time Film
I taped this film when it made it's first appearance on the Hallmark Channel last year complete with many commercials. Now it is coming out on DVD and can be watched without the annoying breaks.

"Santa, Jr" is a light weight, fun holiday treat that the whole family can enjoy. It is not so sweet that it would send adults into a diabetic coma. Basically is is the story of Santa's 20 something son who really does not want to become part of the family business. He has assigned the west coast for deliveries as a test case. Not sure he can make all the house calls in one night Kris begins a few days early. He is mistaken for the Santa Claus bandit and is placed under house arrest in the home of his public defender female lawyer. With a bracelet that will set off alarms in police headquarters if he leaves the house, it looks like the gifts will never reach the children.

He keeps trying to call the North Pole for help, but gets the recorded message that his call will be answered in the order it was received and there are 40 or 50 minute waits.

How Santa, Jr. finally gets the Christmas spirit, captures the Santa Claus bandit and squares things with the police make this a really enjoyable film.

It is the kind of film that calls for a relaxing time in front of the TV with the family, a big bowl of popcorn, cookies and egg nog. ... Read more

Description

Now on DVD the riveting miniseries that shocked the world and broke our hearts! Based on Andrew Morton's bestselling book, the film traces Diana's transformation from shy young girl to public icon and sophisticated princess whose fairy tale marriage to Prince Charles soon turned into a nightmare well hidden outside the walls of Buckingham Palace. Until the book and this film revealed Diana's side of the story: her marital troubles, her loneliness inside the royal family, her suicide attempts and her struggles with bulimia. With this critically acclaimed film, the world reached a new understanding of this complex, fascinating woman. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fans of Space: 1999 (and there are many of them) are lavish in their praise for British producer Gerry Anderson's mid-'70s sci-fi series. They rhapsodize about provocative, seriously scientific story lines, expensive production values, the presence of star (and future Oscar® winner) Martin Landau, and more. But there are others who look at the series' glacial pace, loopy costumes and makeup, cheesy sets, primitive special effects, stilted dialogue, and self-serious tone and wonder what planet those rabid fans are from.

This two-disc set includes the first six episodes of the show's second season.Episode 25, "Metamorph," introduces Maya (Catherine Schell), a shape-changer and scientific wiz who, after witnessing her nutty dad's dastardly deeds, defects to join our Moonbase Alpha heroes. "Journey to Where" (Episode 29) finds Koenig (Landau) and Helena (costar Barbara Bain) returning to Earth--specifically, and bizarrely, 14th-century Scotland--while "One Moment of Humanity" (Episode 27) sees the evil Zamara (Billie Whitelaw) and her android cronies trying to learn the violent ways of humans. Intriguing ideas, occasionally rather lame execution. In other words, there's plenty here to justify the points of view of the show's adherents and its detractors.

DVD bonus features include production stills, TV promotional spots, and interactive menus. All episodes have been digitally remastered, and some material that was not seen in the original U.S. broadcasts has been restored. --Sam Graham ... Read more

Reviews (20)

YEAR 2-BETTER THAN YEAR 1!!!!!!!
Season two of Space 1999 has finaly arrived and it looks better than ever! I have never seen a year two episode that wasnt worn out and scratchy, the pristine quality makes you think your seeing these episodes for the first time. There are more bonuses than the previouse disks but still no "making of" documentary. A and E has again done a great job, making the wait worth it ...
Lets hope A and E puts out more bonuses and the special "MESSAGE" episode!
Season two begins with the addition of Maya, in the episode The Metamorph. After escaping her evil father she goes to live on Moonbase Alpha. Maya has the power of molecular transformation-she can change into any lifeform in the blink of an eye. Space 1999 was one of the first-maybe THE FIRST-television series to have a morphing character, and this was way before computer animation! Her changes were feats of camera work, who can forget her eye! The Exiles is about an alien Bonny and Clyde who hold Alpha hostage. Maya does a really cool midair transformation into a panther. One moment of humanity is about robots who want to learn to kill so they can eliminate their human masters. This episode sizzles with sex! Tony and Helena are pitted against each other and end up almost killing each other. Journey to Where is about time travel going amok. This episode has much in common with many first season episodes and even ends on a grim philosophical note. The minatures of Earths' future cities are very well done and realistic. The Taybor is about a trader who will stop at nothing to get Maya- and who can blame him!
If you want the best of weird and cool sci-fi Space 1999 season two is it.

good escapist TV
I've always thought that the start of both seasons of Space 1999 weren't as much fun as the episodes that came after them. Set 5 has some good episodes and some good moments, but sets 6,7, and 8 are much more fun. As the start of season two, this set has both it's share of draw-backs and it's fun moments.

I wont waste space reviewing every episode, but I will say that The Metamorph is one of my faves! Catherine Schell is introduced as Maya in this one. New theme music, cast members, costumes, and sets are introduced as well. Dr Bergman is gone, and the main control center has now been moved underground. Maya helps to fill the void left by Bergman, and after episodes like War Games the new location of the control center makes good sense. Smart move Koenig.

Space 1999 sets 2,3,4,6,7,8 are my favorites, but 1 and 5 are important to the show and to finish your collection. There are some good epsodes in both so check them out. While you are at it, try the Space 1999 novel The Forsaken by John Muir. It sheds more light on just what happened between the program's two seasons and is an excellent read.

Some fun episodes, but poor sound too
Some of the episodes in this set have inferior sound. It's not unlistenable, but it is sub par. Fortunatley, I don't find it too distracting, but it's too bad they didn't make the sound as wonderful as the picture quality. Apart from the sound problems, I enjoyed this set.
This set contains shows from the second season of Space 1999 which was a more ridiculous season, but there are many guilty pleasure episodes here. My favorites include:
"The Metamorph" which is the first episode of the second season and introduces the new theme music and show opening. I like it. We also get a new command center, some new costumes, and the introduction of Tony and Maya. Tony brings some great humor to the show and he keeps trying to make beer. You have to admire a guy who tries to make beer and maintains a sense of humor while the moon is hurling through space. Catherine Schell is lovely as Maya the Psychlon and Maya can turn into all kinds of living creatures which is fun. She's also the sexiest woman with side-burns ever! Brian Blessed plays Mayas dad Mentor.
"The Exiles" has some very suspenseful moments as 50 missiles suddenly begin to orbit the moon and the intercepting of one of them for further study is pretty tense. There's a great sense of mystery for the first half of this episode, but then it turns silly, but I like silly. "Journey to Where" is a bit of Time Tunnel like adventure with a good performance by Freddie Jones, and "The Taybor" is extremely goofy and features some scantly clad female Alphans, and Maya turning into Mr Hyde. I wont comment on the disco dancing horny android epsiode, or the episode with the living rocks. These aren't the most realistic or brainy TV episodes ever, and Set 5 is the low point of the Space 1999 DVD sets, but there are plenty of fun moments in this one and let us never forget that Catherine Schell is the sexiest woman with side-burns ever.

loved season 2
Season two of Space 1999 is a great deal of fun if you understand exactly what to expect. Expect CHEESE with your Space 1999 and plenty of it. I think season one was great, but no matter how many times you watch a train roll down a track there's just something more compelling about a train wreck. Season 2 is a weird combination of quality elements and wacky cheesy elements that makes for entertaining viewing.

very fun stuff
It would be easy to rip this show to pieces and there are plenty of reviews here that do just that, but I have a blast watching these episodes with friends. It's a wonderful mix of cool stuff, decent acting and writing, dubious acting and writing, and just plain silly stuff that both amuses and brings back the fun of being a kid and watching this sort of monster/space adventure show. My friends and I never saw the show when it was on tv, but it's the kind of thing that the kid in us adore and it's very funny when it isn't fantastic stuff. These episodes are all over the map, but they never fail to entertain. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Grill This Loser
Time to review the 1992 crime drama "Sunset Grill" starring Peter Weller and Lori Sanger. The letterbox states, "For years private eye Ryder Hart lived on the edge. Tonight he'll cross the line."

Well...Ryder (Weller) crosses the line and in the process we're all witnesses to one of the most boring crime flicks on Planet Earth.

Peter Weller walks around for 90 minutes beat-up, bruised and bleeding like a mutt that's just been run over by a semi.

Lori Sanger looks like a wax mannequin at Tussaud's House of Horrors and her acting could be recreated in any viable sound software program.

Grill this one at sunset. I mean (to get to the point)...take the DVD and throw it into your barbecue grill as a flame starter.

Peter, whom I admired prior to this embarrassment, is no longer a "Weller" in my book...he's now a "Worser".

Atzecs?
Sunset Grill Nude scenes from three different women: Lori Singer, Alexandra Paul, Sandra Wild. All three actresses got naked, but in the case of Paul and Singer, the scenes were cut tastefully to avoid pubic exposure. In fact, Singer got up from one energetic love scene where the lovers were obviously in the later stages of intercourse, the director cut away too slowly, and you could see that she was wearing a thong!

As for the movie, well, let me tell you. In the Olympics they won't let a 150 pound man wrestle against a 170 pound man because it just isn't a fair match. But in the movies, one drunken stumblebum private eye armed with a BB gun can overcome all of the following:

1. Several corrupt INS officials

2. The Mexican border federales.

3. The world's richest man and several doctors, who are running a scam to use illegal immigrants as unwilling heart and liver donors.

4. The world's richest man's connections, which "go so high up the ladder God can't see the top"

5. Thugs who look like a cross between Dolph Lundgren and Andre the Giant, and are better armed than the Iraqi army.

6. Treacherous girlfriends.

7. Incompetent associates.

8. Sarcastic bartenders.

Very realistic movie.

Stacy Keach plays, or maybe I should say overplays, the world's richest man, and he says that ripping hearts out of living victims is OK because:

* They are doing it for a good cause, to give the gift of life to senior members of the Republican Party and other equally important members of society.

* The Aztecs did it, and these victims are descended from the Aztecs, so they are culturally prepared for it.

OK, fair enough. I was having some problem with it, but then when he explained the Aztec thing, I could relate to it. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

She was a woman--She was a mother!
After watching this beautiful movie for the first time during the Easter season, have used clips several times in our Women's Study class to illustrate the humanity, joys, and pains Mary may have experienced in being the mother of Jesus. One member thought it should be mandatory watching for new converts, others noted "it was the best they had ever seen'>

Nice Movie!
This was a nice movie to watch but I thought it will be better. I found Mary in this movie not the Mary that we always, well most people thought she was, I thought of Mary as a person above everyone else, who don't judge, who don't talk much but listen and is always there for everyone but in this movie Mary is show as well like any other human, with her good qualities her faults, she a strong woman who not afraid to say what she thought and sometime I find her to juge to fast, like when she said, "Where you were, you coward, you didn't were there to help Jesus!" I find her harsh to said that when she knew of the prophecy that Jesus have to die for the sin of others. The movie past way to fast but I do find the actors good, the atmosphere was good, it put you in that time. Jesus act good, just like I imagine him to be, well Mary act good too but like I said it's not he Mary I grow up to imagine to be! Overall it's a nice movie!

Identity Crisis Jesus
When a major network must start its film with a disclaimer that reads, "While dramatic license has been taken, we believe this film reflects the spirit and historical significance of the biblical story of Mary and Jesus," it is best to turn the channel immediately. The film begins with Mary fleeing from the Romans as they are attacking her village. As the story unfolds, an angel appears to Mary outside of the city to announce her pregnancy. The Bible says it was inside the city, but NBC must know better. Mary is then threatened with stoning by her fellow villagers, and Joseph comes to her aid, also not found in the gospel passages. After Jesus' birth, Herod tells his soldiers to kill all children six months and younger, another Bible inaccuracy. Further into the film, Jesus' family is returning from Egypt, Roman soldiers ride by, and Jesus remarks that Herod must be dead. Jesus is depicted as a teenager in this scene. So when did Herod die?
The next few scenes involve Jesus in the Temple. Mary and Joseph find him, scold the young man, and Jesus remarks that he must be about his Father's business. Biblically, that's an accurate portrayal, but the scene just prior to this is not. Jesus is attacked by a local bully, and he refuses to fight. After the confrontation, Jesus asks the question to Mary, "Why do I see these things (not wanting to fight because it solves nothing) but no one else does?" Either Jesus knew who he was or he did not. Throughout the film, this identity crisis is a major theme.
An hour into the film, Jesus is finally ready for ministry, or is he? Mary convinces Jesus to go on his ministry and be baptized by John. In the conversations between Jesus and Mary, Jesus uses the term "we" as if Mary is an essential component to his success. Shortly afterwards, Mary and Jesus are seen walking down a dirt road, and Jesus makes the bizarre statement that he had not heard God's voice for eighteen years. The last time Jesus had heard the voice was when he was in the temple at the age of twelve, but the Bible makes it very clear that Jesus walked in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). Jesus was not abandoned by God nor left alone as the film suggests. NBC adds to the theme of uncertainty by depicting Jesus as being fearful. In a night- time scene, Mary and Jesus are walking near a campfire, and they pause to converse. Jesus, visibly shaking and fearful, repeatedly asks the question, "Is it right? Is it right?" As Mary tries to convince him that the power that Jesus feels inside of himself, post-baptism, is an acceptable thing to have and he should use it as part of his mission (NBC, 1999). Clearly, this film has taken liberties beyond what is scripturally acceptable

Sound track of music tol\o loud
The movie was great even with the poetic license of when various
words were spoken and by whom they were spoken.

The music score often overpowered the voice of the actors making it
difficult to understand all of the words spoken.

mother of all
This story is simply told and therein lies its strength.It's
not an epic film like "King of Kings" but does what it was meant to do inspire faith.It is unfortunate that some self righteous Christians never get enough of bashing Roman Catholicism and its beliefs and they call themselves Christians. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you like big fake dinosaurs--and who doesn't?--this is the movie for you. Patrick Wayne stars as the intrepid Major Ben McBride, searching the Arctic for his lost friend. Sarah Douglas is at his side as Charly, the spunky lady photographer with a dainty puckish streak. As luck would have it, they come across a tropical zone that is home to big fake dinosaurs, surly Neanderthals, and nubile cavewomen with truly astonishing cleavage. Ah, but if only it were that simple. An evil rival tribe has been exterminating the gentle cave people and must be stopped. Whatever else you may want to say about producers Samuel Z. Arkoff and John Dark, they simply do not skimp on explosions. The People That Time Forgot has a detonation-filled corker of an ending that leaves the cast absolutely showered with dirt clods. Highly entertaining. --AliDavis ... Read more